Salvador Dali: The Persistence of Memory

The prominent Spanish surrealist painter named Salvador Dali painted his most recognizable work The Persistence of Memory in 1931. The painting is also called by other names such as "The Soft Watches" or "The Melting Watches." It is called by these names because of what it portrays. This famous surreal piece depicts four different soft melting pocket watches.

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali

The watches were thought to be unconscious symbols of the relativity of space and time. People assumed it was based on Einstein's theory of special relativity. Dali denied these assumptions and interpretations of his painting. He revealed that the watches were inspired by the surrealist perception of a Camembert melting in the sun. The shapeless figure in the middle of the composition is an example of various contemporary symbolic figures that Dali used to represent himself. He did so to prevent his abstract form from turning into a self-portrait. The figure is interpreted as a "fading" creature,  one that appears in dreams. the creature himself is in the dream state as symbolized one of his closed eye. The orange clock is covered in ants which represents "decay."  The clocks and the creature perfectly blend in together to symbolize the persistence of time in the eyes of a dreamer during a dream.

For me, it is one of the most mind boggling paintings I have ever seen. The use of imagery and symbols is way too refined and strong. The abstract surrealist painting represents even a more abstract idea with a deep psychological affect related to dreams, space and time. The softening of watches is beautifully done as if they are really melting in front of your eyes. In my opinion, one thing that painting lacks is emotional depth. But, this painting was never meant to appeal to emotions. It was meant to appeal to one's eyes, senses, mind, and conscious. This masterpiece is currently located in Museum of Modern Art, New York City.